Al Qahwa

Al Qahwa is a Toronto-based ensemble inspired by the spirit of the great Middle Eastern coffee houses — gathering places where music, poetry, and bold ideas were shared late into the night. Rooted in Arabic musical traditions yet alive with jazz, global rhythms, and fearless improvisation, Al Qahwa creates music that feels both ancient and immediate — music of migration, memory, and connection.

At its heart is award-winning vocalist Maryem Tollar, an artist whose voice defies borders. Born in Cairo and raised in Canada, Maryem moves seamlessly between Arabic classical song, jazz, early music, and contemporary global styles. She has reached international audiences through a Bollywood hit that went viral worldwide, major festival stages, and high-profile cross-genre collaborations. A recipient of the prestigious KM Hunter Artist Award and the inaugural Johanna Metcalf Award for Performing Artists, Maryem is celebrated for her expressive power, stylistic versatility, and ability to connect deeply with diverse audiences.

Al Qahwa’s recordings chart this artistic journey. Their debut, The Coffee House, introduced their vibrant reimagining of Arabic repertoire. Cairo Moon earned a nomination from the Canadian Folk Music Awards, followed by African Routes, which expanded their sonic palette across the African continent. Their most recent release, Weyn Allah, received both a CFMA nomination and a nomination from ACTRA RACS, affirming the group’s national resonance.

For Al Qahwa, music is more than performance — it is conversation. Through Maryem Tollar’s commanding, genre-defying voice and the ensemble’s rich interplay, the group builds living bridges between cultures, generations, and traditions, inviting audiences into a shared and unforgettable musical experience.

The NAC would like to acknowledge the generous support of Mohammad and Najla Al Zaibak.